Denmark’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup has plunged the national team into a period of transition, ending a decade-long run of appearances at major tournaments and raising questions over the ​direction of its ageing squad, Reuters reported. 

Denmark’s qualification hopes ended on Tuesday when they lost 3-1 on penalties to the Czech Republic in Prague after a 2-2 draw in the playoff final.

The setback followed a run of damaging results, including a 2-2 home draw with Belarus and a late 4-2 defeat by Scotland that handed the Scots automatic qualification, according to Reuters.